Theodosia Elizabeth Pierce Belland Nelson, Walworth, WI  (1912 - 2012)

November 11, 1912 - January 21, 2012
Theodosia Elizabeth Pierce Belland Nelson died at Golden Years Retirement Community in Walworth, WI, on Jan. 21, 2012, at 99 years, 2 months, and 10 days. She was born on Nov. 11, 1912, to John Denis Pierce, son of Delos Pierce and Theodotia Collins, and Inez Solome Van Dresser, daughter of Aaron Van Dresser and Mary Handy. Theo grew up on farm homes in the area, played violin in high school, and graduated in 1930. She worked at Yerkes Observatory and later as secretary to the president of Sta-Rite Products, Inc., and as a legal secretary for Warren Rasmussen in Walworth. She was first married April 2, 1936, in Milton, WI, to Frederick Raymond Belland, who died on Jan. 28, 1974, son of Robert Napoleon Belland and Harriet Adeline Clark; and married second on Sept. 26, 1981, to Kenneth Austin Nelson of Fontana, son of Nels Nelson and Jenny Pauline Madsen. Kenneth predeceased Theo on Nov. 25, 2008.
Theo lived all of her life in Walworth County and was a member of the United Church of Christ-Congregational in Williams Bay, WI, where she was active in the Ladies Aid and was also a member of Eastern Star while married to Fred.
Her love to travel originated while on vacation from high school with friends of her parents, Miss Blodgett and Miss Stillman, who took her to Florida and Arizona. She and Fred spent a year in Texas working for the McDonald observatory, traveling for Sta-Rite, and enjoying winters in Sun City, AZ, with both Fred and Ken.
Theo was preceded in death by her brother, Harold Leroy Pierce and wife, Arline Mary Southwick Pierce. She is survived by nieces, Marilyn Elizabeth Pierce Woods (Robert Charles) of Richmond, IL, and Marjory Ann Pierce Friestad (Ronald James) of Santa Barbara, CA; grandnephews: Robert Woods deceased (Mary) of Aurora, IL, John Jack Woods (Mary) of Burlington, WI, Timothy Woods (Mary), Mark Woods, Ronald Friestad Jr. (Ellen) of LaVerne, CA, David Friestad (Laura) of Pollock Pines, CA; many great-grand nieces and nephews; stepchildren: William Nelson (Beverly) of Winnebago, IL, Richard Nelson of Kennett Square, PA, and Trudith Thompson (Danny) of Woodstock, IL; grandchildren: Scott (Mary Beth), Jeffrey (Amanda), Karin, Christopher, Alan, Tracy Nelson, Michael, Brian, Jennifer Thompson; and great-grandchild, Bliss Parsons-Nelson.
Theo will be remembered for her loving dedication to both family and friends.
A memorial service to remember and celebrate Theo's life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012, at the UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 46 Stam St., Williams Bay, with Rev. Jean Wallenfang officiating. TOYNTON FUNERAL HOME of WALWORTH is assisting the family.
Donations in memory of Theo may be made to the United Church of Christ in Williams Bay or the Arthritis Foundation.